IN THE COURTS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10305, 14 January 1927, Page 2

IN THE COURTS

•GISBORNE SITTING. ALLEGED MURDER CASE REMANDED TO OPOTIKI. Charged with the murder of Jerry Williamson at Torere on December 1, John Sullivan again appeared before Mr. E. C. Levyey, S.M., yesterday. On the application of Sergt. Dempsey he was remanded to appear at Opotiki on January 20, at which, time the Magisterial hearing and Coroner’s inquest will be taken in conjunction. FRIGHTENED CONCERT-GOERS. MAN’S STRANGE CONDUCT WHILE DRUNK.

An Otoko settler, Albert Edward Russell, appeared 'before Mr. E l . O. Levvey, S.AI., yesterday, charged with disorderly conduct and drunkenness at Otoko on December , 16. A further charge ol : using threatening behaviour was withdrawn by leave of the Court. Sergt. Dempsey said accused, under the influence of liquor,, had arrived at a concert being held 'ln Otoko schoolroom. He had entered the building with an open clasp knife in his hands and walked through the audience peering into their faces as if he was looking for someone. Accused considered he had been cheated for some land at Otoko and consequently had a grudge against some of the residents. Apart from that one incident nothing was known against him and he was apparently a hardworking settler. Accused admitted being drunk, but said' he had merely borrowed the knife to cut some tobacco and had absent-mindedly kept it in his hand as he entered the building. Russell was convicted and ordered to enter into a bond of £SO to keep the peace. “1 am not going to ask you to find the £SO in cash but you will have to to enter into a bond,” said the Magistrate. : ‘Understand you will be wiser to keep away from liquor - till you get back to a wiser state of mind.” ALLEGED ATTEMPT AT INTIMIDATION. TAUMARLIVUI, Jan. 13. In the Police Court, John Henry Blanch, charged with discharging firearms with intent to intimidate and annoy Andrew Russell Aitkeu and Agnes Aitkeir at their dwelling house, was remanded on bail of £ii)U and one surety of £IOO for seveq days.—P.A.

THIRTY-ONE CHARGES OF BREAKING, ENTERING, AND Tniir T. ‘ YOUTHS SENT TO ROKSTAL INSTITUTION. Atc’KLA-M!, Jan. 13. Four youths, Thomas Henry Mclntyre, James Norman Richards, Hector Donald Connelly, and Cyril Patterson, whose depredations covered 31 charges of breaking, entering and theft, were sentenced by AH Juft ice Stringer this morning to three years in a Borstal institution. —P.A. ALLEGED ATTEMPTED •SUICIDE AND' ASSAULT. MAN FINED £lO. AUCKLAND, Jan. 13. At the Police Court Daniel MeUurdy, 56, was charged with attempting to commit suicide and with having assaulted Lawrence Craw lord. The latter stated lie went to McCurdy’s place to serve a .summons for wages. McCurdy accused witness ol having stolen some potatoes. He used obscene language and struck witness with an iron bar. Accused denied having used the iron bar, except in self-defence, and evidence was given to support the plea of provocation. McCurdy, it was stated, was in a great state ot excitement, and had struck himself on the head with a saucepan, lie picked up a sharp knife, but gave it up without any trouble. Accused was fined £lO ’ and costs, or one month’s gaol.—a.A.